Tailgate Cable Stay Ramp Assembly for Sensor Contact Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power tailgate systems face issues with tailgate cable stays causing degradation of touch sensors due to direct contact and improper activation when the tailgate is closed, leading to potential damage and malfunction.
Innovation Solution
A cable stay ramp assembly is integrated into the vehicle body to guide the tailgate cable stay away from sensors, using a ramp structure that aligns the cable stay inward and prevents contact with sensors as the tailgate closes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the cable stay is allowed to rest on the touch sensor when the tailgate is closed, then the cable stay can be properly positioned, but the touch sensor activation is degraded (activation force becomes too high)
Solution Approach 1:
A ramp structure is introduced as an intermediary element between the cable stay and the touch sensor. The ramp guides the cable stay to rest on its surface rather than directly on the sensor, mediating the interaction to prevent sensor degradation while maintaining proper cable stay positioning. The ramp acts as a mediator that transfers the load from the cable stay away from the sensitive sensor area.
2Device complexity
If the cable stay contacts the touch sensor directly, then the cable stay can be simplified in design, but the sensor becomes vulnerable to damage and improper activation
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into distinct functional zones: the cable stay, the ramp structure, and the touch sensor. By dividing the interaction path into separate segments, the cable stay design remains simple while the ramp structure provides the necessary protection for the sensor. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function without compromising the other.
3Device complexity
If no cable stay ramp is provided, then the device structure is simpler, but the cable stay may cause harmful contact with the sensor during tailgate movement
Solution Approach 1:
The ramp structure is pre-positioned in the tailgate assembly before operation. It is designed to automatically guide the cable stay away from the sensor during the closing motion, performing the protective action in advance before harmful contact can occur. The ramp is strategically located to intercept and redirect the cable stay during normal operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle includes a tailgate configured to enclose a truck bed, a power tailgate system configured to cause the tailgate to move between a closed position and an open position, at least one sensor disposed on the tailgate, a cable stay configured to couple to the tailgate and a body of the vehicle such that the cable stay is extended between the tailgate and the body of the vehicle when the tailgate is in the open position, and a cable stay ramp assembly disposed on the body of the vehicle and configured to guide the cable stay as the tailgate moves from the open position to the closed position. The sensor is configured to detect an object between the tailgate the body of the vehicle.